Attractions and Places To See around Rioms - Top 20

Riom, recognized as a "Town of Art and History," offers a rich architectural heritage. Key sites include the historic town centre with its Renaissance buildings, the Clock Tower offering panoramic views, and the Sainte-Chapelle known for its 15th-century stained-glass windows. You can also visit the Notre-Dame-du-Marthuret Church with its significant 14th-century statue of The Virgin with a Bird, and the Saint-Amable Basilica, which blends Romanesque and Gothic styles.

The region around Riom boasts several natural highlights. You can visit the Puy des Gouttes for excellent views of the Puy de Dôme, or discover the Cascade of the 3 Pools of Chambonnet where the Cubes stream descends into natural potholes. The Sioule Valley is also a notable natural area, part of the Natura 2000 network, offering diverse flora and fauna. For a unique experience, explore the Cave of the Volvic Stone in nearby Volvic.

Yes, several charming settlements are worth exploring.

• Montbrun-les-Bains is a beautiful perched village known for its sulphurous waters and Renaissance castle ruins.
• Le Poët-en-Percip is a peaceful perched village with wonderful views of the surrounding mountains.
• Séderon attracts visitors with its vast wilderness, lavender fields, and interesting architectural heritage, including its communal church and the ruins of the 10th-century Notre-Dame-de-la-Brune chapel.

Visitors appreciate the diverse offerings, from the historical charm of Riom's town center to the stunning natural panoramas. The mountain passes like Perty Pass are highly rated for their breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and Mont Ventoux. The tranquil, picturesque villages such as Le Poët-en-Percip are also frequently praised for their peaceful atmosphere and scenic beauty.

Yes, there are options for families. Just 16.1 km from Riom, Vulcania is a theme park dedicated to volcanoes, offering interactive and educational attractions. While not directly in Riom, the nearby settlement of Séderon is noted as family-friendly, offering a charming village experience. The Auvergne Regional Museum in Riom also provides cultural enrichment for all ages.

Riom hosts various events, including street performances, concerts, and circus acts from early July to late August, making summer a lively time to visit. The carnival of Saint Amable also takes place in October and June. These periods offer a vibrant atmosphere in addition to exploring the historical sites and natural landscapes.

The area around Riom is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for mountain biking, running, and road cycling. For example, there are challenging MTB trails like the "Roc de Saint-Julien – Nice View loop" and scenic running routes such as the "Perty Pass – Chamouse Mountain loop." Cyclists can enjoy routes like the "Castles Circuit" or the "Col d'Aulan – The Toulourenc Valley loop." You can find more details on these activities in the MTB Trails around Rioms, Running Trails around Rioms, and Cycling around Rioms guides.

Yes, the region offers a variety of cycling routes, particularly known for its mountain passes. You can tackle challenging routes like the "Castles Circuit" or explore scenic options such as the "Col d'Aulan – The Toulourenc Valley loop." The Macuègne Pass is noted for its low traffic and scenic route, while Perty Pass offers a rewarding descent towards Buis-les-Baronnies. For more cycling options, refer to the Cycling around Rioms guide.

Yes, there are walking and running trails with varying difficulty levels. While some routes are challenging, you can find moderate options like the "Alauzon Bridge loop" (10.1 km) or the "Col de Sanguinet loop" (8.5 km) from Le Poët-en-Percip, which are suitable for those looking for less strenuous walks. For a comprehensive list, check the Running Trails around Rioms guide, which includes routes that can be enjoyed as walks.

Riom has a rich religious heritage. The Sainte-Chapelle is a Flamboyant Gothic chapel with notable 15th-century stained-glass windows. The Notre-Dame-du-Marthuret Church, though modified in the 19th century, houses a significant 14th-century statue. Additionally, the Saint-Amable Basilica harmoniously blends Romanesque and Gothic styles and contains relics of Saint Amabilis. Nearby, the settlement of Séderon also features a communal church with frescoes and stained glass, and the ruins of the 10th-century Notre-Dame-de-la-Brune chapel.

Riom features two main public squares that are central to the town's life: Place Jean-Baptiste Laurent and Place du Pré-Madame. Both squares are known for their large fountains and provide pleasant spaces for relaxation and observation of local life.

Yes, Riom is home to the Auvergne Regional Museum, which is one of its primary cultural attractions. Additionally, the Musée de Veygoux, dedicated to the French Revolution and General Desaix, is located nearby. For those interested in industrial history, L'Aventure Michelin, a museum about the history of Michelin, is just 11.5 km away in Clermont-Ferrand.